The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final line-ups have been finalised following India’s victory against New Zealand in the final group match in Dubai on Sunday (February 2).
India vs New Zealand: The match story
India’s decision to go with four spinners paid off as they defended 249 successfully on a spin conducive Dubai wicket. After being put in to bat first, they were reduced to 30-3 at one stage after Glenn Phillips took yet another acrobatic catch to send Virat Kohli packing for 11.
Shreyas Iyer contributed with a patient 79 to add substance to India’s teetering innings. His 98-ball vigil saw him score his 16th fifty-plus score at No.4, surpassing the likes of Brian Lara and Joe Root, among others. Matt Henry, who struck twice early in the innings, returned to pick three more wickets to finish 5-42, the first five-wicket haul against India in the Champions Trophy.
The star performer for India during their defence was Varun Chakravarthy, who came in place of Harshit Rana for the match. Barring Kane Williamson’s 81 off 120 deliveries, no other New Zealand batter found it comfortable against India’s four-pronged spin attack.
Captain Mitchell Santner tried with 28, but he soon departed after Chakravarthy castled him with New Zealand still needing 55 off 34. They were eventually bundled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, succumbing to a 44-run defeat. Chakravarthy, who was a last-minute addition to India’s squad for the tournament, finished with 5-42.
Match 12, New Zealand vs India
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Champions Trophy 25: Semi-final fixtures
As a result of the win, India finished at the top of Group A. They will now face Australia, the second-placed side of Group, in the semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday (March 4).
The other top four match will see Group A runners-up clash against Group B table-toppers South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday (March 5).
You can check the updated points table for Champions Trophy 2025 here.
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